That was me Saturday morning at the Crim. On a day area running store owner Mark Bauman ranked in the top 5 hottest Crim days with temperatures in the mid-70s and high humidity at the start, I should have started at a slower and more conservative pace, but I shot out too fast, forcing an inevitable slow down over the second half of the race ( I was about 2-3 minutes slower than I thought I would run).

In retrospect, my goals were a little lofty considering I didn't put in the necessary miles or long runs to run in the low 60s. Still, I ran well and the performance puts me on a solid path to prepare for a fall marathon. How did you feel about your Crim performance? Feel free to comment below.

Even more important than my time on Crim day was running with my wife, Elaine, in the 5K, stopping by a local bakery afterward to say "hello" to a woman who baked our wedding cake, and spending the evening at a post-Crim party in which a large group huddled around the TV to watch the men's Olympic marathon.

Those memories stand out more than the frustration from having to pull off my racing singlet because my left nipple started to bleed despite using cream designed to counteract it. Darn and ick. A final lesson? On a humid day, if you're a guy, shirtless is a good idea.

Labor Day 30K in Milford: With the Crim in the rear view mirror, fall marathon training is a focus for many, including myself. One strategy I follow is to run long races to get long runs in. The advantages include having people to run with and aid stations. You have to be disciplined, however, and be willing to run a training pace instead of a race pace. That all said, this Milford race is a great way to get a 20-mile run in by adding 1.4 miles either before or after. The race also features free massage and entertainment afterward.

Ready for a run? A running group meets weekly at the Downtown Flint YMCA, 411 E. Third St., every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. There's a dedicated group of walkers too, who leave a little earlier. Most are members of the local running club, The Riverbend Striders. Many like to grab a meal afterward. So, if you're looking for some running company, this is a good place to start. Worried, no one might be there, give Bauman's a call at (810) 238-5981.

About The Weekly Jog: Started Feb. 28, this is an offshoot of "Mac's Blog on the Run" that's posted Thursdays at noon. Its focus is to detail news and notes about the Flint area running community.

Running background: One year of cross country at Livonia Churchill High School in the fall of 1991 (had a crush on a girl, found out I loved running instead). Got hurt in 1992 and quit running while adding "The Freshmen 15" every year in college at Michigan State University (Go Spartans!). Rediscovered running after joining the Flint YMCA and meeting area runners who helped me to achieve all that's below.

Running highlights: Losing about 90 pounds after not really running for about eight years/winning 13 road races in Michigan (all small field events)/completing 15 marathons (including one during an Ironman triathlon in 2004 -- yeah, it was tough, but it was worth it).

How I did in my last race(s): On Saturday, I ran a 1:06:18 (6:38 per mile) in the 10 mile and a 27:10 (8:45 per mile) in the 5K, pacing my wife, Elaine.

Next big race: The Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 26. What's your next big goal? Please share in the comments area below or e-mail me.